Net-Surfers ready to make waves

Southern Indiana's Net-Surfers are ready to make waves during the new select soccer season with the help of some top talent.

This year, the all-girls' club will field competitive teams from U11 to U17 age categories. It will also run a flourishing academy program for players ages 5-10.
The U17 team is first into action this weekend in the United Cup Classic tournament in Louisville, and is fortunate to have gained the coaching services of University of Louisville's Shannon Smyth and Lindsay Boling.

Smyth, a starting striker for the Lady Cards the past three years, is on cue to graduate in May and hasn't ruled out playing professionally in Europe. Among her most notable achievements to date was playing for Ireland in the World University Games in 2007, when the Girls in Green surprised many by reaching the final four.

Boling, meanwhile, is the Lady Cards' leading scored as a junior midfielder last fall, was a high school all-American at Louisville's Sacred Heart Academy.

Together, they bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to a team that will be playing in the Kentucky Select Soccer League this spring.

First up for the girls, however, is the United Cup Classic (U18 category) and Smyth said they can't wait to get started, with games on Saturday against the hosts United 1996 '91 and Indy Burn.

"The girls have so much potential and seem to enjoy being together," she said. "It's going to be a fun season.”

Net-Surfers' long-time coach, Dave Smith, said the club is also expecting its talented U13 and U14 teams to perform well this year. Both will play in the Indiana State Cup this year, placing them among the elite teams in their age bracket in Indiana.

The U14s, coached by Errol Morgan, matched Javanon for the top won-loss record in the KSSL Gold Division last fall, and finished second based on points.

Morgan, who now also serves as co-director of coaching for programs and events, has high hopes for his side.

"We finished strong, playing up in the U15 division at the Veterans' Tournament in Evansville last November, and made the final round," he said.

Coach Dave Carrier's U13 Net-Surfers won the silver division of the KSSL last autumn, were finalists in the Louisville Cup and return a talented group of youngsters.

"We're honored to be selected one of 16 squads to have a chance at the Indiana State Cup," said Carrier.

Another team to keep an eye out for is Net-Surfers '94, who will compete in the KSSL. The team comprises many talented and diverse players who earned spots and playing time on their schools' varsity squads in the fall.

Last year, it competed in the Indiana Soccer league, finishing fourth of nine other club teams from all across the state. A notable win was the 1-0 victory over Carmel. They were also chosen as the league's fairness award winner, which is selected based on the game reports from all the coaches and refs during the season.

Dave Smith said the club is grateful to have president and U12 assistant coach Greg Reger at the reigns.

"Greg has done a marvelous job of leading the club from a business perspective," he said. "He's organized, committed and always positive. We're in good hands and moving forward."

Above: University of Louisville’s Shannon Smyth (left) and Lindsay Boling